WASHINGTON, D.C. — Garrett Ramos, the Sterling firefighter who died early Saturday morning while fighting a house fire, was called “good man, a good firefighter, a good friend and a good Cubs fan” on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, whose 17th District encompasses Sterling, made a floor speech Wednesday honoring Ramos, 38, who was promoted posthumously to captain from lieutenant. While making her remarks, Bustos held one of the red lights that the city of Sterling is asking residents to display as a tribute.
Here is the full text of Bustos’ speech:
“Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and to celebrate the life of Lieutenant Garrett Ramos of Sterling, Illinois. Thirty-eight-year-old Lieutenant Ramos served the Sterling Fire Department for a decade before losing his life late last week.
“It was late Friday night, in Rock Falls, Illinois, that Lieutenant Ramos responded to a call for help. As he was bravely fighting a house fire, the floor collapsed beneath him.
“But while Lieutenant Ramos’ life was cut short, his memory will live on. Described as, ‘an amazing individual of the highest caliber on and off duty,’ Lieutenant Ramos carried on his family’s legacy of service when he became a firefighter – just like his father, Ed.
“Lieutenant Garrett Ramos was a good man, a good firefighter, a good friend and a good Cubs fan.
“But above all else, he was a son, a husband, and a father to two little children who will dearly miss him. He was a true hero to the community he served.
“The community has asked to put a red light on their porch in honor of Lieutenant Garrett Ramos.
“My deepest condolences to his loved ones – may you be comforted by his memory.”
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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